Old Guard (United States)
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| Old Guard (United States) | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Old Guard |
| Native name | 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment |
| Caption | Old Guard caisson platoon at Arlington National Cemetery |
| Dates | 1784–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Role | Ceremonial Infantry |
| Size | Regimental |
| Garrison | Fort Myer |
| Nickname | Old Guard |
| Motto | “Ducit Amor Patriae” |
| Notable commanders | Winfield Scott, John C. Kemper, Dwight D. Eisenhower |
Old Guard (United States) is the traditional designation for the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, a unit distinguished for ceremonial duties, military honors, and high-visibility public duties in the Washington, D.C. area. The regiment serves as the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the President, while also performing security, training, and historical preservation roles connected to national symbols and institutions. Its history, structure, and public-facing functions link it to numerous events, leaders, and locations of American significance.
History
The regiment traces lineage to the post-Revolutionary Army of the 18th century and served in early conflicts such as the Northwest Indian War and the Quasi-War with France, later participating in the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, and the American Civil War, where it served in campaigns associated with Winfield Scott, Ulysses S. Grant, and the Army of the Potomac. During the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War the unit operated alongside forces under William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. In the 20th century, the regiment undertook ceremonial and security duties during presidencies of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, and provided honor guard services at events linked to the United States Congress and the Supreme Court of the United States. The Old Guard’s visibility increased during funerals for figures such as John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the regiment has maintained a continuing presence at national sites including Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Organization and Structure
The regiment is organized into multiple companies and specialized platoons with headquarters at Fort Myer, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. Units include a Honor Guard Company, a Caisson Platoon, a Fife and Drum Corps, and a Continental Color Guard that emulate formations associated with George Washington and Revolutionary-era colors. Command relationships tie the regiment to United States Army Forces Command and, for ceremonial assignments, the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army. The regiment’s internal staff functions coordinate logistics with agencies such as the National Park Service for ceremonies at locations like the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.
Duties and Ceremonial Roles
Primary responsibilities encompass military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, ceremonial escorts for heads of state and presiding officers, and standing sentry duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The regiment provides the official escort for presidential inaugurations associated with the United States Capitol and has supported state funerals for leaders including Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan. Musical components perform at national holidays linked to Memorial Day and Independence Day, while the regiment also renders honors for visiting dignitaries from nations represented in the United Nations and bilateral summits with countries such as United Kingdom and France.
Training and Selection
Selection emphasizes physical bearing, drill proficiency, and knowledge of ceremonial protocols tied to Presidential and Congressional events. Recruits undergo instruction influenced by drill manuals used historically by figures like William Prescot and contemporary standards promulgated by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. Specialized training for the Caisson Platoon covers equestrian skills with standards similar to those employed in cavalry and mounted units during the era of George S. Patton, while the Fife and Drum Corps study period music associated with composers and military musicians from the American Revolutionary War period. Honor guard candidates are vetted for appearance, marksmanship history, and legal clearances required for access to secured sites such as the White House and Capitol Police jurisdictions.
Uniforms and Equipment
Uniforms range from modern service uniforms to historically inspired regalia modeled after Revolutionary War-era attire for the Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps. Dress uniforms reflect Army regulations promulgated under authorities such as the Secretary of the Army and incorporate accoutrements like ceremonial swords, guidons, and M14 rifles used for drill and funeral salutes. Caisson Platoon equipment includes caissons, limbers, and horses maintained to standards comparable to historic artillery units that served in conflicts alongside Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. The regiment also maintains historic artifacts and colors preserved in coordination with institutions like the Smithsonian Institution.
Notable Operations and Events
The regiment participated prominently in funerary and commemorative operations for national leaders, including the funeral processions of John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John Adams. It provided ceremonial support during state occasions such as visits by Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, and Nelson Mandela, and performed security and protocol duties for major congressional events including joint sessions and inaugurations at the United States Capitol. The Old Guard’s role in the consecration and ongoing guarding of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been recognized in ceremonies attended by presidents, members of the United States Congress, and foreign heads of state.
Honors and Legacy
The regiment has received unit commendations and honors reflecting service in ceremonial and operational contexts, cited in official orders associated with the Department of the Army and recognized in memorials at Fort Myer and Arlington National Cemetery. Its traditions influence ceremonial practice across military services, informing protocols used by units such as the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard. The Old Guard’s historical continuity, public visibility, and stewardship of national memory link it to institutions and events spanning from the American Revolution through contemporary presidencies, ensuring its legacy within national commemorative culture.